Crystal Palace Ratings vs Arsenal – Here’s how the Eagles fared
Crystal Palace finally scored a goal at Selhurst Park to get a valuable 2-2 draw against Arsenal in a fantastic London derby which went right down to the wire. Luka Milivojevic netted a brace of penalties for the home team, while Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were on target for the Gunners.
At the stroke of half-time, Shkodran Mustafi gave away a penalty and Milivojevic stepped up to score Palace’s first home goal of the season. Xhaka equalised after the break with a sumptuous free-kick.
Aubameyang then completed the turnaround when the ball was whipped in from the corner which seemed to hit Alexandre Lacazette’s hand before going into the path of the Gabonese.
Wilfried Zaha won a penalty for Palace late on and Milivojevic converted it again to hand Roy Hodgson’s men a precious point.
Crystal Palace Player Ratings
Wayne Hennessey (6)
Didn’t have to do too much apart from conceding the two goals. Got a fingertip on Xhaka’s free-kick but can’t blame the Welshman as the ball was struck sweetly.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (8)
Another fantastic performance from the youngster who goes from strength to strength. Won the duels defensively and looked threatening going forward.
James Tomkins (7)
Kept Lacazette in check throughout the game but was stretched when Danny Welbeck came on. Overall, a steady game for the centre-back.
Mamadou Sakho (7)
A solid presence at the back and truth be told, he wasn’t really tested at times. Both goals conceded were via set-pieces.
Patrick van Aanholt (7)
Made a couple of good runs down the left-hand channel to trouble Arsenal. Solid defensively.
James McArthur (6)
Neat and tidy on and off the ball but struggled to make an impact. No surprise when he was subbed off.
Luka Milivojevic (8)
After the penalty miss against Everton last week, the Serb had the courage to take both spot-kicks today and score. Superb will power. A tidy performance overall.
Cheikhou Kouyate (6.5)
Troubled Arsenal with his driving runs from midfield, especially in the first half. Won the penalty at the stroke of the interval. Went quiet after the break.
Andros Townsend (7)
Townsend was always an outlet in the wide areas but his final ball could have been better.
Wilfried Zaha (7.5)
He was sizzling at times and frustrating on other occasions. Won a penalty late on when Xhaka couldn’t read his trickery. Was always a danger when he was on the ball.
Jordan Ayew (6.5)
Was booked early on and could have got sent off before half-time. Didn’t impact the game much apart from one or two runs in behind the defence. Was rightly subbed off in the second half.
Substitutes
Max Meyer (On after 61 mins) (6.5)
Twice had a pop at goal from close proximity. Added extra impetus to the attack.
Alexander Sorloth (On after 64 mins) (6)
Made a couple of good runs to trouble the defence. He made the pass to Zaha, who then won the penalty late on.
Jason Puncheon (On after 88 mins) (N/A)
No time to make an impact.